About Us
Formed in 2015, Cotnum Tort are a four piece hard rock band from Croydon in South London. Influenced by artists ranging from classic style Rock all the way up to heavier, more intricate styles of Metal, Cotnum Tort have set out to create their own brand of powerful and hard hitting music.
Known for their energetic shows and direct crowd interactions, the band have made their mark across many venues in London and surrounding areas. Bringing an attitude and energy infectious enough to make the crowd feel just as integral to the music as the instruments they play on.
Cotnum Tort released their first EP ‘From the Devil’s Kitchen’ in 2018. A three track EP recorded at Rockbottom music store in West Croydon by the band themselves and produced by Richard Coppen. Eager to move forward, the band got to work on what would be their second EP. Working this time with Producer John Lovell, two singles were released for the EP; ‘Läzerkhildd’ and ‘Bitten by the Wolf’, respectively. The five track EP ‘Outlaws of the Wasteland’ was released in 2019 with a special gig played to a packed crowd at the Scream Lounge in Croydon celebrating the release.
Jack Gibson
Vocals and Guitars
Picking up guitar because he thought it was “cool” and because doing lessons got him out of Geography, it became clear to Jack that he didn’t want to do anything else but play music despite not taking to the guitar immediately. His interest sparked once he started listening to more Rock and Metal. This caused him to practice everyday, hoping to one day play like those that inspired him.
He would eventually go on to form a band of his own. After a few questionable drink mixes, he founded Cotnum Tort and set out to make music akin to those that inspired him. Acquiring himself a Gibson Explorer, Jack took up lead guitar and lead vocal duties despite having no real experience with the latter and not being overly sure about his decision. Being lead singer would give him a chance to pick on the audience, which ultimately won him over. Some would call him a show off. Jack would declare sea-based warfare on them despite being nowhere near the ocean.
Today Jack is heavily influenced by bands such as Motörhead, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Airbourne, Thin Lizzy, Metallica and Alter Bridge. Particularly favouring dark and heavy tones with speed and aggression while also admiring slower, more atmospheric pieces.
He still thinks double-denim is not a crime.
Adam Humphreys
Bass Guitars and Vocals
Coming from a musical family Adam started the game early, learning guitar, drums and some singing prowess from his brother and sisters, while also gaining a love for all styles of music from Billy Joel to Billy Joe Armstrong, and from Sublime to Skynyrd, he had to have it all (except crunkcore, you know what you did).
During his school years, music was all Adam could think about (or be motivated to do), and routinely spent as many a lunch time as possible in the music room playing any and every instrument available, eventually being one of the first of four to take part in a new course for his school in musical performance, he helped in raising money for the department through the years, and the performing arts are now a focal point of his childhood school.
Adam now finds himself in the midst of some of the best dudes one could have to draw axes (and sticks) with, sharing a passion for the hard hitting, chunky riffs that are only to be found in a sweaty room while slappin some phat strings. All it took were three words and this boy was in for the ride of a lifetime...
"BASSIST YOU SAY???"
In his spare time Adam paints and plays an ungodly amount of video games.
Jordan James
Guitars and Vocals
Jordan’s first guitar was the ubiquitous Stratocaster copy starter pack. Already beginning the endless search for different tones, and dissatisfied with the strat’s thin, icy sound, three months later he bought a Les Paul.
Influenced early by the likes of Queen, Gary Moore and Guns N’ Roses, when asked to join Cotnum Tort he jumped at the chance to make some loud noise and have fun with his friends. Cut to several years later and the band has become an invaluable creative output and proudest achievement.
Artists like Toska, Ólafur Arnalds, and Matt Corby currently inspire Jordan to push musical and sonic boundaries and write more interesting music.
He now really wants a Stratocaster.
Robin Thornton
Drums and Vocals
Born and raised in Croydon, from an early age Robin was fascinated with music, in particular rock and metal from the 60’s to the 80’s. At the age of 8 he started learning drums and other percussion, and at age 15 picked up guitar, to become more versed in general songwriting.
Cut to several years later and Robin had already joined various other bands and projects, playing guitar and bass. He’d always been happy playing with other people in all genres of music, and it helped to develop a rather eclectic taste.
Co-founding Cotnum Tort as a joke, he soon realised it was exactly the kind of music he loved to play most, and started dedicating more time to drumming in particular. Though the 2020/2021 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have taken a toll mentally, he tries to practice regularly and hopes for a time when he’ll be able to play live music again.